Wireless local area network access controlled by cellular communications

ABSTRACT

A computer readable medium stores a program for enabling access to a wireless local area network (WLAN) from a dual mode device. The program enables the dual mode device to detect presence of a WLAN access point. The program also transmits information about the access point and about the dual mode device via a cellular network to a clearinghouse server. A portion of the program receives the information via the cellular network, the information identifying the dual mode device and an access point of a WLAN provider. The program then determines whether the dual mode device has permission to access the access point. When permission exists, the program informs the WLAN provider. The dual mode device accesses the WLAN access point in response to the clearinghouse server approving access.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to wireless communications. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to controlling access towireless local area networks.

2. Background Information

Recently, wireless local area networks (WLANs), such as Wi-Fi networksand hotspots, have proliferated in the public space. WiFi networksinclude WLANs conforming to standards such as 802.11. Within the UnitedStates, the introduction of the networks has resulted in a fragmentedmarket with several thousand independent Wi-Fi operators providingcoverage in different public venues. These venues vary from smalldeployments, such as restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops, to muchlarger deployments, such as convention centers, hotels, and airports.

Users interested in connecting to Wi-Fi networks in the public spacehave to typically either subscribe to the Wi-Fi operator's services on amonthly basis or pay a one-time fee each time they use the hotspot. Suchan arrangement is not optimal as it results in paying bills to multipleWi-Fi operators at the end of each month, increasing the costs ofassociating with multiple operators, and remembering the login-passwordcombination for hotspots operated by different Wi-Fi operators.

Although clearinghouses exist, a subscriber must still login through anaccess point, raising security issues. Moreover, an extra relationshipmust be established. That is, the subscriber must have a relationshipwith a clearinghouse, in addition to the relationship with the WiFiprovider.

There is a need for addressing the issues identified above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary general computer system that can operatewithin the cellular/WLAN system;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary system including a dual mode handset, multiplewireless LANs, and a cellular network, according to an aspect of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 3 show an exemplary process for accessing a wireless LAN via acellular system, according to an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In view of the foregoing, the present invention, through one or more ofits various aspects, embodiments and/or specific features orsub-components, is thus intended to bring out one or more of theadvantages as specifically noted below.

The present disclosure relates to a cellular clearinghouse that allowsusers to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots owned and operated by multiple Wi-Fioperators without worrying about remembering multiple credentials andreceiving multiple bills at the end of the month.

In one aspect of the present invention, a computer readable mediumstores a program for enabling access to a wireless local area network(WLAN) from a dual mode device. The program includes a WLAN detectingcode segment that detects presence of a WLAN access point, and atransmitting code segment. The transmitting code segment transmitsinformation about the access point and about the dual mode device via acellular network to a clearinghouse server. The program also includes anaccess code segment that accesses the WLAN access point in response tothe clearinghouse server approving access and forwarding credentials toan operator of the access point.

In one embodiment, the cellular network is a GSM network. Thetransmission can be via general packet radio service (GPRS) and/orenhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE) and/or universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS), and/or short message service (SMS).The WLAN can be an 802.11 network.

In another aspect, a computer readable medium stores a program forenabling access to a wireless local area network (WLAN) from a dual modedevice. The program includes a receiving code segment that receives aquery from the dual mode device via a cellular network, the queryidentifying the dual mode device and an access point of a WLAN provider.The program also has a verifying code segment that determines whetherthe dual mode device has permission to access the access point. Theprogram further includes a transmission code segment that informs theWLAN provider when the dual mode device is determined to have permissionto access the access point.

The program can also include a billing code segment that receivesbilling information from the WLAN provider, the billing informationreflecting charges associated with the dual mode device accessing theaccess point of the WLAN provider. The billing code segment combinesbilling information from multiple WLAN providers and presents thecombined information to a user of the dual mode device. The WLAN can bean 802.11 network.

In yet another aspect, a computer readable medium stores a program forenabling access to a wireless-local area network (WLAN) from a dual modedevice. The program includes a WLAN detecting code segment that detectspresence of a WLAN access point, as well as a cellular transmitting codesegment. The cellular transmitting code segment transmits informationabout the access point and about the dual mode device via a cellularnetwork to a clearinghouse server. The program also has a receiving codesegment that receives the information via the cellular network, theinformation identifying the dual mode device and an access point of aWLAN provider. The program also has a verifying code segment, a WLANtransmission code segment, and an access code segment. The verifyingcode segment determines whether the dual mode device has permission toaccess the access point. The WLAN transmission code segment informs theWLAN provider when the dual mode device is determined to have permissionto access the access point. The access code segment accesses the WLANaccess point in response to the clearinghouse server approving accessand forwards credentials to an operator of the access point.

The program can also include a billing code segment that receivesbilling information from the WLAN provider. The billing informationreflects charges associated with the dual mode device accessing theaccess point of the WLAN provider. The billing code segment combinesbilling information from multiple WLAN providers and presents thecombined information to a user of the dual mode device.

The cellular network can be a GSM network. The transmission can be viageneral packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced data rates for GSMevolution (EDGE), or universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS)and/or short message service (SMS). The WLAN can be an 802.11 network.

In still another aspect, a system enables access to a wireless localarea network (WLAN) from a dual mode device. The system has a server anda database. The server receives a query from the dual mode device via acellular network, the query identifying the dual mode device and anaccess point of a WLAN provider. The server determines whether the dualmode device has permission to access the access point of the WLANprovider. The database enables the server to determine whether the dualmode device has permission to access the access point.

The database can store a list of access points that the dual mode devicehas permission to access. The database can be accessed by the WLANprovider to update access point information

The dual mode device can be identified by a media access controladdress. The access point can be identified by a media access control(MAC) address, as well as a service set identifier (SSID).

Referring to FIG. 1, a description is now provided of an illustrativeembodiment of a general computer system 100, on which the access controlfunctionality can be implemented. The computer system 100 can include aset of instructions that can be executed to cause the computer system100 to perform any one or more of the methods or computer basedfunctions disclosed herein. The computer system 100 may operate as astandalone device or may be connected, e.g., using a network 101, toother computer systems or peripheral devices.

In a networked deployment, the computer system may operate in thecapacity of a server or as a client user computer in a server-clientuser network environment, or as a peer computer system in a peer-to-peer(or distributed) network environment. The computer system 100 can alsobe implemented as or incorporated into various devices, such as apersonal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a mobile device, a palmtop computer, a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a communications device, a wirelesstelephone, a land-line telephone, a control system, a camera, a scanner,a facsimile machine, a printer, a pager, a personal trusted device, aweb appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any other machinecapable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise)that specify actions to be taken by that machine. In a particularembodiment, the computer system 100 can be implemented using electronicdevices that provide voice, video or data communication. Further, whilea single computer system 100 is illustrated, the term “system” shallalso be taken to include any collection of systems or sub-systems thatindividually or jointly execute a set, or multiple sets, of instructionsto perform one or more computer functions.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the computer system 100 may include aprocessor 110, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), or both. Moreover, the computer system 100 caninclude a main memory 120 and a static memory 130 that can communicatewith each other via a bus 108. As shown, the computer system 100 mayfurther include a video display unit 150, such as a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flat paneldisplay, a solid state display, or a cathode ray tube (CRT).Additionally, the computer system 100 may include an input device 160,such as a keyboard, and a cursor control device 170, such as a mouse.The computer system 100 can also include a disk drive unit 180, a signalgeneration device 190, such as a speaker or remote control, and anetwork interface device 140.

In a particular embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1, the disk drive unit180 may include a computer-readable medium 182 in which one or more setsof instructions 184, e.g. software, can be embedded. Further, theinstructions 184 may embody one or more of the methods or logic asdescribed herein. In a particular embodiment, the instructions 184 mayreside completely, or at least partially, within the main memory 120,the static memory 130, and/or within the processor 110 during executionby the computer system 100. The main memory 120 and the processor 110also may include computer-readable media.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, suchas application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arraysand other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or moreof the methods described herein. Applications that may include theapparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include avariety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodimentsdescribed herein may implement functions using two or more specificinterconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and datasignals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or asportions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, thepresent system encompasses software, firmware, and hardwareimplementations.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, themethods described herein may be implemented by software programsexecutable by a computer system. Further, in an exemplary, non-limitedembodiment, implementations can include distributed processing,component/object distributed processing, and parallel processing.Alternatively, virtual computer system processing can be constructed toimplement one or more of the methods or functionality as describedherein.

The present disclosure contemplates a computer-readable medium 182 thatincludes instructions 184 or receives and executes instructions 184responsive to a propagated signal so that a device connected to anetwork 101 can communicate voice, video or data over the network 101.Further, the instructions 184 may be transmitted or received over thenetwork 101 via the network interface device 140.

While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, theterm “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiplemedia, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associatedcaches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capableof storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution bya processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or moreof the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, thecomputer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as amemory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatileread-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be arandom access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally,the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or opticalmedium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capturecarrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmissionmedium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-containedinformation archive or set of archives may be considered a distributionmedium that is equivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, thedisclosure is considered to include any one or more of acomputer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalentsand successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored.

According to an aspect of the disclosure, global Wi-Fi roaming issupported using a cellular operator as a clearinghouse for gainingaccess to the Wi-Fi network using dual mode devices. Users can connectto Wi-Fi access points (or hotspots) owned and operated by multipleoperators without worrying about remembering multiple credentials andreceiving multiple bills at the end of the billing period. The user doesnot have to maintain different profiles, accounts and billingrelationships with a multitude of Wi-Fi operators. One-time Wi-Fi usageis also supported without giving out credit card information to theWi-Fi operator. Although the following description frequently refers toWiFi, any type of wireless local area network (WLAN) is contemplated.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary overall architecture. As shown in FIG. 2, adual mode device 10 can connect to two different Wi-Fi operators 20, 30.Each WiFi operator is an independent Wi-Fi hotspot provider that offersWiFi services. WiFi operator 20 provides hot spots 22, 24, whereas WiFioperator 30 provides hotspots 32, 34.

A cellular infrastructure 40, e.g., a GSM provider, provides cellularservice. The dual mode device user is a subscriber of the cellularinfrastructure 40 and can connect to a cellular operator 42. In oneembodiment, the dual mode device 10 is a laptop with a built-in WiFiradio and a cellular GPRS PCMCIA card. In another embodiment, the dualmode device 10 is a dual mode handset having both Wi-Fi and cellularradios.

Operating on the dual mode device 10 is a Global Wi-Fi Roaming Client(GWRC). One function of this client is to extract information related toWi-Fi hotspots 22, 24, 32, 34 to which the dual mode device 10 wants toconnect. The client also transmits the information to a Global Wi-FiRoaming Server (GWRS) 44 via the cellular operator 42. In oneembodiment, the client communicates to the server 44 over a data channelsuch as GPRS, EDGE, or UMTS. In another embodiment a short messageservice (SMS) is employed.

The Global Wi-Fi Roaming Server (GWRS) 44 receives queries from theclient and verifies whether the dual mode device 10 is allowed access tothat particular Wi-Fi hotspot 22, 24, 32, 34. The GWRS 44 also could,based upon the location of the client 10, determine whether the detectedhotspots 22, 24, 32, 34 are authentic hot spots of the visited WiFinetwork. For example, the GWRS 44 could access a database storingcoordinates of all legitimate access points of each WiFi provider andcompare the location data (e.g., GPS data) of the client 10 with thedatabase information to prevent connecting to fraudulent access points.The server 44 can interface into billing, charging, and accountingsystems of the cellular provider. Another function performed by thisserver 44 is to communicate the credentials of the dual mode device 10to the Wi-Fi operator 20, 30 of that particular hotspot 22, 24, 32, 34that the dual mode device 10 wishes to communicate. In one embodiment,the credentials are forwarded to the WiFi operators 20, 30 via theInternet 50.

A Global Roaming Database (GRD) 46 may be provided in one embodiment. Inthis embodiment, the cellular operator 42 has a list of all allowableaccess points to which the dual mode device 10 is allowed to connect. Asan example, the global roaming database 46 may contain a list of all theMAC addresses of different access points to which each user can connect.This database 46, although shown as part of the cellular infrastructure,may be accessed by Wi-Fi operators 20, 30 that have relationships withthe cellular operator 42. As Wi-Fi operators 20, 30 upgrade theirhotspot deployments, they may update the information in the globalroaming database 46.

In FIG. 2 the server 44 is shown as part of the cellular operator'sinfrastructure. In another embodiment, a third party clearinghouse mayown the server 44 and global roaming database 46.

Exemplary signaling processes will now be described with respect to FIG.3. At step S10, the dual mode device reaches the proximity of a Wi-Fihostpot. At step S12 the dual mode device detects a Wi-Fi signal. TheWi-Fi radio in the dual mode device detects, for example, 802.11beacons. These beacons are part of the 802.11 standard, including802.11b, g, and a. The dual mode device decodes the beacons transmittedby the Wi-Fi Access Point. Information transmitted in the beacon canincludes the MAC address, Service Set Identifier (SSID), and securityfeatures supported (such as WEP) of the access point. By decoding theinformation transmitted by the access point, the dual mode device canidentify the access point.

At step S14, the client collects the information received from theaccess point and transmits it to the cellular network. Along with theaccess point information, the client also transmits the MAC address (orsome other identifier) of the dual mode device. In one embodiment, thistransmission may be achieved by establishing a GPRS/EDGE data packetsession and encapsulating the information over IP. If a packet datanetwork is not supported by the cellular operator, the information mayalso be transmitted over a Short Message Service (SMS).

At step S16, the cellular operator checks whether the access point thatthe dual mode device wants to associate with is part of a Wi-Fi operatorthat the cellular operator has a relationship with. As an example, thecellular operator may look up the MAC address or the SSID of the accesspoint and check it against the list that it has. The client isresponsible for maintaining and supporting any queries made by thecellular operator regarding the hotspots.

At step S18, the server transmits the credentials (e.g., MAC addressesof the dual mode device and access point) of the dual mode device userto the appropriate Wi-Fi operator. On receiving the credentials from thecellular network, the Wi-Fi operator puts the MAC address of the dualmode device on an open access list associated with the relevant accesspoint, at step S20.

At step 22, the dual mode device successfully connects to the Wi-Finetwork. Finally, at step 24, the Wi-Fi operator sends a charging record(CDR) to the cellular operator. The cellular operator, in turn, compilesthis charge with its own cellular charges and sends it out to the userat the end of the billing cycle.

As discussed above, a cellular operator enables dual mode devices toroam amongst different Wi-Fi providers. Users of the dual mode devicescan connect to Wi-Fi access points owned and operated by differentoperators without worrying about multiple credentials and withoutreceiving multiple bills.

Although the present specification describes components and functionsthat may be implemented in particular embodiments with reference toparticular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to suchstandards and protocols. Each of the standards, protocols and languagesrepresent examples of the state of the art. Such standards areperiodically superseded by faster or more efficient equivalents havingessentially the same functions. Accordingly, replacement standards andprotocols having the same or similar functions are consideredequivalents thereof.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended toprovide a general understanding of the structure of the variousembodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a completedescription of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systemsthat utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many otherembodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewingthe disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from thedisclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changesmay be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may notbe drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may beexaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, thedisclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein,individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely forconvenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of thisapplication to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover,although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangementdesigned to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted forthe specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in theart upon reviewing the description.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not beused to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Inaddition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may begrouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed toless than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus,the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description,with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimedsubject matter.

The above disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other embodiments which fall within thetrue spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, to the maximumextent allowed by law, the scope of the present invention is to bedetermined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the followingclaims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited bythe foregoing detailed description.

Although the invention has been described with reference to severalexemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words that have beenused are words of description and illustration, rather than words oflimitation. Changes may be made within the purview of the appendedclaims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from thescope and spirit of the invention in its aspects. Although the inventionhas been described with reference to particular means, materials andembodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to theparticulars disclosed; rather, the invention extends to all functionallyequivalent structures, methods, and uses such as are within the scope ofthe appended claims.

1. A computer readable medium storing a program for enabling access to awireless local area network (WLAN) from a dual mode device, comprising:a WLAN detecting code segment that detects presence of a WLAN accesspoint; a transmitting code segment that transmits information about theaccess point and about the dual mode device via a cellular network to aclearinghouse server; and an access code segment that accesses the WLANaccess point in response to the clearinghouse server approving accessand forwarding credentials to an operator of the access point.
 2. Themedium of claim 1, in which the cellular network comprises a GSMnetwork.
 3. The medium of claim 2, in which the transmission is viageneral packet radio service (GPRS).
 4. The medium of claim 2, in whichthe transmission is via enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE). 5.The medium of claim 2, in which the transmission is via universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS).
 6. The medium of claim 2, in which thetransmission is via short message service (SMS).
 7. The medium of claim2, in which the WLAN comprises an 802.11 network.
 8. A computer readablemedium storing a program for enabling access to a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN) from a dual mode device, comprising: a receiving codesegment that receives a query from the dual mode device via a cellularnetwork, the query identifying the dual mode device and an access pointof a WLAN provider; a verifying code segment that determines whether thedual mode device has permission to access the access point; and atransmission code segment that informs the WLAN provider when the dualmode device is determined to have permission to access the access point.9. The medium of claim 8, further comprising a billing code segment thatreceives billing information from the WLAN provider, the billinginformation reflecting charges associated with the dual mode deviceaccessing the access point of the WLAN provider, the billing codesegment combining billing information from a plurality of WLAN providersand presenting the combined information to a user of the dual modedevice.
 10. The medium of claim 9, in which the WLAN comprises an 802.11network.
 11. A computer readable medium storing a program for enablingaccess to a wireless local area network (WLAN) from a dual mode device,comprising: a WLAN detecting code segment that detects presence of aWLAN access point; a cellular transmitting code segment that transmitsinformation about the access point and about the dual mode device via acellular network to a clearinghouse server; a receiving code segmentthat receives the information via the cellular network, the informationidentifying the dual mode device and an access point of a WLAN provider;a verifying code segment that determines whether the dual mode devicehas permission to access the access point; a WLAN transmission codesegment that informs the WLAN provider when the dual mode device isdetermined to have permission to access the access point; and an accesscode segment that accesses the WLAN access point in response to theclearinghouse server approving access and forwarding credentials to anoperator of the access point.
 12. The medium of claim 11, furthercomprising a billing code segment that receives billing information fromthe WLAN provider, the billing information reflecting charges associatedwith the dual mode device accessing the access point of the WLANprovider, the billing code segment combining billing information from aplurality of WLAN providers and presenting the combined information to auser of the dual mode device.
 13. The medium of claim 11, in which thecellular network comprises a GSM network.
 14. The medium of claim 13, inwhich the transmission is via general packet radio service (GPRS),enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE), or universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS).
 15. The medium of claim 11, in whichthe transmission is via short message service (SMS).
 16. The medium ofclaim 11, in which the WLAN comprises an 802.11 network.
 17. A systemfor enabling access to a wireless local area network (WLAN) from a dualmode device, comprising: a server that receives a query from the dualmode device via a cellular network, the query identifying the dual modedevice and an access point of a WLAN provider, and determines whetherthe dual mode device has permission to access the access point of theWLAN provider; and a database that enables the server to determinewhether the dual mode device has permission to access the access point.18. The system of claim 17, in which the database further comprises alist of access points that the dual mode device has permission toaccess.
 19. The system of claim 18, in which the database is accessed bythe WLAN provider to update access point information.
 20. The system ofclaim 17, in which the dual mode device is identified by a media accesscontrol address.
 21. The system of claim 18, in which the access pointis identified by a media access control (MAC) address.
 22. The system ofclaim 21, in which the access point is further identified by a serviceset identifier (SSID).